Pharmaceutical Sales

[mininik]

Pharmaceutical sales for companion animals is another interest of mine "in addition to veterinary technology" that I am trying to get more information on. I know it's not an easy industry to break into and I've read it's preferable for an applicant to have a BS or BA (four year University) degree of some sort and some business-to-business sales experience (raises and solid work background, clean driver's license, etc.) but I have been wondering if being a registered (licensed or certified) vet tech would help at all? Either way, what sort of BS (Animal or Veterinary Science?) or BA (Business?) degrees are generally preferred or does it matter? Are any of you "out there" pharma sales reps. or do you know any personally? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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[Jill]

I don't know what kind of degrees a pharmaceutical company would look for in their sales reps, but I know that sales skills would be really the main skill. I am in sales. I own a financial planning practice with my father, and I believe I am very knowledgable in my field BUT it wouldn't matter if I was a financial wizard if I didn't have good sales skills and like to sell. THAT is the most important thing and if you can sell, it really doesn't matter WHAT you sell. As long as there's a ready supply of it and it's something people need or want, you will be successful. Also, really, I cannot imagine working for a salary and would not want to. I like being in control and earning commissions. It would scare a lot of people because you do have a floor (nadda) but no ceiling is the trade off.

 

[mininik]

Salesmanship is definitely the most important aspect of it, but I also know that most people hired by pharmaceutical companies for sales positions also have a BA or BS degree of some sort or higher. It's a competitive industry to get into because it is so good to it's employees and your pay is usually a very livable salary, plus commission, plus benefits. Most companies will also throw in a car allowance or a company car. It's definitely not a dead end job as sales reps. do have the opportunity to move up through the company as they go. I think the only thing that might get me is the corporate B.S.

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[Jill]

If you are a good sales person, trust me, you won't be caught up in any corporate BS. I know money isn't everything and not the only factor, but I would see this choice as being a lot more earning potential than a vet tech. I honestly do not even know how my VETS can work as cheapily as they do...

 

[mininik]

: Excellent points. And I know what exactly you mean about not knowing how vets can do it...

: Would it be too nosey for me to ask what you sell or have sold?

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[Jill]

I'm an investment advisor / stock broker / insurance broker. I sell financial advice and products to affluent middle age or older clients. My specialty is working with "wealthy" senior and conservative investors. I've been doing this now in partnership with my father for coming up on 11 years.

I've got all those "number" licenses (series 6, series 65, series 7 and series 24) which mean nothing if you're not in this industry, and licensed to sell fixed and variable insurance / annuities as well. Prior to this, I was a mortgage loan officer (at the time, cruddy pay and tremendous pressure). Yep, I am a nerd... I don't know if you ever watched The Boiler Room, but when the "broker" recruits are asked if anyone's already got their 7 and the one kid has already gotten his 7 (general securities -- stock broker license) and is told he can get the ___ out, I probably rewound that scene a dozen times!

Another thing I really like about this career is I get to do A LOT of public speaking -- which I love!!! Most people hate it but I just love it!

 

[txminipinto]

Nikki,

A lot of technicians go into sales as a 2nd career. A degree in veterinary technology on top of a degree in business would be very beneficial if you are looking into pharmaceutical sales, especially to veterinary pharmaceutical sales. In private practice there was nothing that irritated me more than a sales rep for one of my suppliers that didn't know what he was talking about. To sell to medical facilities you have to have some experience in their world to be a good salesman.

 

[Jill]

Oh, also, I know "everyone" probably thinks "oh, she works for her dad..." :bgrin Which did start out to be the case but we are and have been for years and years partners and in the eyes of the NASD, *I* am actually my dad's supervisor. I am the OSJ and the registered principal of my broker / dealer. Dad is actually one of the reps that I supervise... If either of us knew this would be the case 20 years ago, I'm not sure who would have been the most surprised, him or me!

When I was a little kid (like 5yo?), I used to get paid like a dime or something to help get insurance policies ready for my dad to deliver to clients. Way back then (the 70's), he worked as an agent for Prudential. The policies were to be put into these little plastic bag / envelope things. I asked my dad "How much do you have to pay for these bags" and he told me he could get as many as he wanted, for free, as long as he sold the policies that went inside. Well, let me tell you, for whatever reason, this impressed me very much. Imagine, all these FREE blue plastic baggies!!! :lol:

 

[mininik]

Thanks again, Carin! This information you provided right here "A lot of technicians go into sales as a 2nd career. A degree in veterinary technology on top of a degree in business would be very beneficial..." is exactly what I was hoping to do. I actually know someone who is a rep. and although he loves his job his drug is a sleep aide for people. I know I would have to sell animal health products because I care about them so much and there is NO WAY I could spend my days in and out of doctor's offices. Once again, I really appreciate your advice!

Jill - LOL! That was a cute story. I'm still giggling... :lol:

 

[txminipinto]

Not a problem kiddo! Anytime! :bgrin